As a photographer with a deep appreciation for fine art, the environments I immerse myself in play a pivotal role in shaping my work. Living in two of the most breathtaking and contrasting landscapes in the United States—Alaska and Arizona—has profoundly influenced my photography, allowing me to blend the raw beauty of nature with the intimate moments of life. Both of these places are wild in their nature, and I think that is what makes them so beautiful.
Moving to Alaska was like stepping into a different world after living in Arizona for most of my life. The vast, untamed wilderness of Denali National Park, with its towering peaks and expansive vistas, offers an endless array of photographic opportunities. Here, nature’s grandeur is on full display, and there is little indication of humans within the landscapes.
Appreciating Simplicity in Alaska
Living in a place with limited signal and long distances between towns has helped me appreciate the simplicity of life. I have found that everything is very intentional here in Alaska, as there aren't endless options for everything right in front of our faces. The town I live in, Healy, only has one grocery store, which doubles as the hardware store and gas station. We have one main restaurant where everyone hangs out, and we have the bare necessities for a town: a school, a post office, and a visitor center. And well, that's about it.
Intentional Choices & Connection
With that said, it feels like the limited options here make each choice that I make feel more intentional, and has made me feel a stronger connection to my community and the landscape as well. To get to the nearest city, I have to drive two hours north to Fairbanks. The drive itself is very beautiful and allows you to appreciate the vast landscape as you will barely see any evidence of human interaction with the land besides the road you are on. Once you get to Fairbanks, there aren’t endless options for things either. For instance, our Barnes & Noble is one of the few bookstores around, so every visit is special and cherished, unlike back home where the bookstores are plentiful. I think this change in my perspective, and how I view something as simple as the bookstore, speaks volumes to the meaning behind slowing down and appreciating what we have in life.
Capturing Intentional & Memorable Moments
This mindset translates beautifully into my photography and how I see boutique weddings and elopements. Intimate weddings and elopements tend to forgo all of the frills of a traditional wedding for an experience that is much more intentional and rooted in the love you and your partner share. I think as humans we have a tendency to get caught up fixating on what other people think and trying to impress them. We see this in our personal lives, with the things we buy or post on social media. And it even relates to what I was talking about earlier about being confronted with these endless options in our everyday lives. And we see this especially in planning a wedding: having the most beautiful centerpieces, elaborate decor, fancy catering, and expensive venues. It seems we lose sight of what is important, which is the love and devotion that you and your partner share for one another. Intimate weddings and elopements make it so you and your partner are at the forefront of your day, and it becomes more of a holistic experience. Ultimately, it becomes a day that is very intentional and allows you to be fully present.
For couples seeking adventure elopements or small, intimate weddings, I’m sure this philosophy deeply resonates. Imagine exchanging vows in an absolutely breathtaking setting, surrounded by your closest friends and family. Incorporating meaningful keepsakes, personal vows, and having your loved ones by your side creates an atmosphere of genuine love and connection. Every detail is chosen with care making your day not just a ceremony, but a deeply intentional and memorable experience. This is the essence of what I strive to capture in my photography - a celebration that is deeply personal, infused with love, and set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of nature. I believe that nature connects us all, and Alaska and living simply with intention embodies the essence of my philosophy surrounding my photography, while also providing the perfect canvas for capturing these timeless moments.
